Mai Khoi - Pop Star To Exile

Mai Khoi went from golden album pop star to exile just for standing up for the rights of her people in Vietnam. As Americans we take for granted our right to free speech and to protest. But we now have Mai Khoi helping us to fight to keep that right in America too. Mai Khoi has some of the most incredible rang of a singer I have ever heard. Her songs range from metal banshee to jazz to surreal art. With her new album, Five Years in Exile, just coming out you don’t want to miss it or seeing her live, if you can. But for now, read on to learn more about this absolutely fascinating woman and her art!

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 58Kira BuccaMay 26, 2026activism, activist, music, female artists, vietnamComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Janelle Kellman, Lieutenant Governor of California

After eight years, there is a wholesale changing of state government in California this year. Both the governor and lieutenant governor positions are open, and there is a large group of candidates for both offices. Today we are interviewing Janelle Kellman (she/her), a gay woman who is the former mayor of Sausalito. She is an environmental attorney and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Center for Sea Rise Solutions. A passionate climate justice warrior, Janelle points out that the Lieutenant Governor sits on the State Lands Commission and the Coastal Commission. The lieutenant governor also sits on the University of California Board of Regents, the California State University Board of Trustees, and the Commission for Economic Development. Through these positions, Janelle plans to use the power of the office to to advance climate resilience, public education, housing, good jobs, and a more equitable economy.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Angela Gonzales-Torres, California's 34th Congressional District

This cycle, we are profiling another candidate, Angela Gonzalez-Torres (she/her), a Chicana millennial and community organizer in Los Angeles. She is running in the Congressional district that represents both Downtown and East Los Angeles. After time working on the Highland Park Neighborhood Council, Metro’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, and in the LA Mayor’s office, this district native is now running a grassroots, student-led, community-informed campaign to face the challenges of the highest costs of incarceration, the dirtiest air in Los Angeles County, and the largest number of eviction notices in the city. Angela’s top campaign issues include housing for all, economic dignity and security, healthcare for all, climate action, education and youth empowerment, immigration reform and community advocacy, and a pro-peace foreign policy.

Brittany McVicker: In the Spotlight

Actress, producer, and filmmaker Brittany McVicker stars as Emma in “Terri Joe: Missionary in Miami,” a film that was just listed in a Variety top 10 list. She’s also slated for a lead role in the upcoming thriller Kill Trip set to release this summer. Beyond the screen, she’s a passionate advocate for the Vasculitis Foundation. To learn more about Brittany McVicker and her upcoming projects, read on.

COVER - The Neighborhood Kids Are The Voice Of A Generation

In a time in history when every turn feels bleaker than the next there is a ray of hope emerging to help ride us in this fight to do good and care about each other. The Neighborhood Kids started out as just kids who wanted to make hip hop, but they couldn’t stay quiet to the injustices in the world. Now they are know as, and perfectly named their first album, the “Voice of the Revolution”. And with 233K followers on Instagram alone and millions of views, this generation is listening and ready. We are hungry and tired of the injustice, and there is nothing like a good beat to get us amped up to take on the world. Because if we don’t do it, no one will. Read on to get to know the Neighborhood Kids, their music, and the many nonprofits they work with better.

How The U.S. and Israel’s War On Iran Is Affecting The Global Economy

Since the start of the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran, countries all over the world have been able to feel its repercussions. Countries on edge are starting to impose stricter energy resource conservation measures as critical fuel supplies dwindle, prices are rising worldwide, and the UN is warning of catastrophic consequences the longer this conflict continues, all while U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to continue attacks until Iran surrenders unconditionally. It is estimated the U.S. is spending roughly $890 million a day on this war.

What Is Happening Between Trump and Cuba?

For years Cuba has been plagued with wide-scale failure of power grids, nationwide blackouts, fuel shortages, and high tensions with the United States. Following the capture of Maduro on Jan. 3, the U.S. cut off all supply of Venezuelan oil to Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on any country that supplies Cuba with fuel. As of mid-March, fuel imports have reduced to near zero and left the country with an increasing economic crisis.

Vanessa Shakib: Advancing Animal Advocacy

Attorney Vanessa Shakib is driving change in the field of animal law through fearless activism. Her work dedicated to protecting animals has been featured by news outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. Shakib is also the co-founder and co-director of the non-profit law firm Advancing Law for Animals. To learn more about Vanessa Shakib and her passion for animal advocacy, read on.

The Unfuck America Tour Inspires Young Voters

Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands! When the democrats weren’t responding to the tours Charlie Kirk were taking to college campuses the National Ground Game Team stepped in. Traveling to college campuses across the country, the Unfuck America Tour is inspiring young voters, shifting perspectives, and directly fighting the propaganda conservative organizations like Turning Point USA are spreading. To learn more about the Unfuck America Tour, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Gina Hinojosa, Governor of Texas

The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, is one of the most dangerous state-level officials to the existence of democracy, equal representation, civil rights, cost of living, and the labor movement, in the entire country today. This year, Texas has a chance to throw him out of office. Abbott knows this. Gina Hinojosa (she/her), a Texas State Representative for almost 10 years, is running for the Democratic nomination to run against him in November. And she has an impressive list of endorsements: she has the backing of progressive US Representative Greg Casar, Texas Democratic superstar James Talarico, the SEIU, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers, Emily’s List, and the Houston LGBTQ+ political caucus.

SWAC: Influencer, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.8Andrew FFebruary 26, 20262026 election, Texas, latina, latinx, lawyerComment

Clara Woods: Inspiring Inclusion

Clara Woods is an artist, motivational speaker, influencer, and host of The Inclusion Matters Podcast. Despite suffering from a prenatal stroke that left her unable to read, write, or speak, she has been able to use her passion for art and large social media presence to educate, inspire, and uplift. To learn more about Clara Woods and her art, read on.

What’s Happening in Iran & Why Should We Be Paying Attention?

Over the last 17 years Iranians have taken to the streets to protest their theocratic regime, but recently demonstrations have seen rapid growth. Alongside that increase, thousands of protestors have been severely injured and killed as a result of riot police force’s tear gas and live ammunition.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Amanda Edwards, Texas's 18th Congressional District

Today we are highlighting Amanda Edwards (she/her), a former member of the Houston City Council. Endorsed by EMILY’S List, Amanda is focused on rolling back Trump’s cuts to federal assistance programs, including SNAP, FEMA, Meals on Wheels, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, that affect the constituents in TX-18. Amanda is particularly passionate about supporting equitable health outcomes, having served on a steering committee to address the issue on black maternal deaths among other issues, and being an active proponent of funding measures like the Momnibus Bill to reduce the black maternal death disparities we face.

A Greener Way to Give: The Ultimate Sustainable Gift Guide 2025

Choosing the perfect gift doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. As more people embrace mindful living, sustainable gifting has become a thoughtful way to celebrate the ones we love while reducing environmental impact. Whether you’re shopping for her, him, teens, beauty enthusiasts, or friends settling into a new home, eco-friendly options now span every interest and style. From ethically crafted essentials to innovative low-waste products, this guide brings together meaningful, sustainable gifts that show you care—about them and the world we share.

Restricted SNAP Benefits: How to Find Resources & How to Help

After the recent government shutdown left millions of Americans with little to no access to SNAP food benefits, many have been scrambling to find food for themselves and families. Now that the shutdown is officially over, states are working quickly to get the missing food assistance back to its people.

Greener Choices, Not Greenwashed Ones

In an age when sustainability sells, it’s never been easier for companies to look eco-friendly — even when their actions tell a different story. From leafy logos to vague claims about being “natural” or “carbon neutral,” greenwashing has become a marketing art form that preys on consumers’ good intentions. But behind the buzzwords and recycled imagery, how can you tell what’s genuine and what’s just green gloss? Understanding the signs of greenwashing is the first step toward making choices that truly support the planet.

Giving Thanks, Compassionately: The Beauty of a Vegan Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, togetherness, and—of course—great food. But as more people become conscious of their health, the environment, and animal welfare, the traditional turkey-centered feast is getting a compassionate makeover. Hosting a vegan Thanksgiving isn’t about giving up beloved flavors or traditions—it’s about reimagining them. From vibrant plant-based dishes that wow even the most skeptical guests to the satisfaction of knowing your celebration aligns with your values, a vegan Thanksgiving offers a delicious, meaningful, and sustainable way to give thanks.

Traveling Vegan - Avoiding Steaks in Argentina

You might think that the land of tango and steaks might not be the easiest place to be vegan, and in many ways you would be right, but with a will there is a way, and I even managed to find some of the best empanadas I have ever had!

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.6Kira BuccaNovember 18, 2025travel, traveling vegan, travel tips, Vegan, Argentina, Iguazu Falls, Salta, Buenos AiresComment

AI is Killing Our Environment

AI is an umbrella term for a group of technologies that processes information and can generate responses by mimicking human thinking. AI has been around since the 1950s, but the technology's capabilities were limited. Recent technological advancements relating to AI’s computing power and data have quickly made AI explode in popularity and use.

Cristina Mittermeier & Paul Nicklen: Hope and Reverence

Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen merge art and advocacy. Based in Vancouver, but having traveled across the world for their art, they dedicate their lives to conservation efforts through fine art photography. With their cameras they are able to capture the important stories of animals, nature, humans, and the climate crisis. Their latest exhibit, Hope and Reverence: Cristina Mittermeier & Paul Nicklen, was curated by Tiffany Benincasa and shown at C. Parker Gallery during Climate Week NYC. Notably, the ocean holds a special place in the pair’s hearts, which lead them to create the ocean conservation organization SeaLegacy. To learn more about Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, read on.